The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), together with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), successfully concluded a series of issuer forums in Monaragala and Batticaloa last week as part of an ongoing island-wide initiative to foster awareness of capital market opportunities in alternate capital raising that are available for small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka.  The forums were held recently in Monaragala on 16 July at the Silanrich Hotel and in Batticaloa on 18 July at the FG Golden River Hotel.

The Issuer Forums provided SME participants with valuable insights into strengthening their businesses and accessing growth opportunities through the capital market. Session further covered the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine, the Entrepreneur Awards programme, and the importance of maintaining sound financial management practices to support long-term business success.

Participants also gained a comprehensive understanding of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), regulatory requirements, succession planning in family businesses, and the opportunities available through the CSE's Empower Board. The forums concluded with engaging panel discussions that enabled participants to interact directly with industry experts and obtain practical guidance on scaling their businesses and preparing for capital market participation.

The panel distinguished speakers, including Ms. Manuri Weerasinghe, Director – Corporate Affairs, SEC; Ms. Semini Kuruppu, Manager – Corporate Affairs, SEC; Mr. Saman Sri Lal, Alternate Chairman of the CA SME Connect Committee, Council Member of CA Sri Lanka and Managing Partner of RTA Sri Lanka; Mr. Lakmal Jayarathne, CEO of M Power Capital Securities Limited; Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam, Associate Director of Deloitte Sri Lanka; Mr. Atchuthan Srirangan, Vice President – Corporate Finance & Advisory, First Capital Holdings PLC; Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial, CSE; and Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, CSE.

Mr. Atchuthan Srirangan, Vice President - Corporate Finance & Advisory at First Capital Holdings PLC providing a presentation on the listing process

Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam, Associate Director of Deloitte Sri Lanka providing a CA Sri Lanka’s presentation on the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards programme

Panellists at the Monaragala Issuer Forum (L – R): Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, CSE.; Mr. Lakmal Jayarathne, CEO of M Power Capital Securities Limited; Mr. Saman Sri Lal - Council member, CA Sri Lanka; Ms. Semini Kuruppu - Manager, Corporate Affairs - Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka; Ms. Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial, CSE.

Mr. Lakmal Jayarathne, CEO of M Power Capital Securities Limited providing an issuers perspective and speaking on the listing process

Mr. Saman Sri Lal - Council member, CA Sri Lanka providing a presentation on the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine and the Entrepreneur Awards programme

Image Caption : Members of the Batticaloa Issuer Forum Panel Discussion (L – R): Ms. Krishnaveny Karmegam, Associate Director of Deloitte Sri Lanka;  Mr. Saman Sri Lal - Council member, CA Sri Lanka; Mr. Atchuthan Srirangan - Vice President - Corporate Finance & Advisory, First Capital Holdings PLC; Ms. Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial, CSE